The Office of the United
States Marshal is one of the oldest—and perhaps least understood—federal institutions in
our nation’s history. From enforcing order during the Whiskey Rebellion to pursuing justice
in the Old West, from the Reconstruction era to
the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine, U.S.
Marshals have played a crucial role in shaping
America.
Join David Kennedy, Curator of Collections &
Exhibits, for an engaging, interactive session
exploring how, since 1789, the Marshals have
served as the “teeth” of the federal courts—the
first federal law enforcement officers tasked
with upholding justice and tackling the jobs no
one else could.
Participants will dive into stories of political intrigue, true crime, the Founding Fathers, Civil
Rights, and the Wild West through artifacts,
case studies, and discussion. Learn how this
dynamic agency earned its reputation as “the
other duties” arm of the government—taking
on everything from capturing outlaws to protecting witnesses and securing vaccines. This
session offers a compelling, hands-on look at
the evolution of American law enforcement
and the enduring legacy of the U.S. Marshals.